Over this past weekend developer FreePlay released the save game exploit for the PSPgo he showcased last month. Based largely on code from team Prometheus, it is compatible with firmware 6.10 and takes advantage of a user mode vulnerability in Archer Maclean’s Mercury. We’ve tested it on our unit and it works exactly as you’d expect. However, Sony removed the offending game title mere minutes after this hack hit the web, in addition to patching this exploit at the firmware level in 6.20. As of writing, it is back, now swapped with a copy that requires firmware 6.20 instead of 6.10.

As Sony has full control over PSN, this was a move more or less expected by those in the homebrew community, leading to questions of why this was even released in the first place. At the very least, it’s proof that these types of exploits are not viable on the go. Chalk it up as a victory for Sony this time around, but if history is any indication, the tables could turn once again in the future.

For archival purposes, we’ve included a copy of the exploit below. However, remember that it is not usable unless you downloaded Mercury prior to it being patched.

Download Leaked PSPgo Save Game Exploit

PSPgo Save Game Exploit Released, Sony Swiftly Responds - [eXophase.com]

While Sony went to great lengths towards preventing a repeat of the Pandora battery hack on PSPgo, they evidently forgot to patch up some existing security vulnerabilities on the software side. Mere days after the launch of the new hardware, homebrew developer FreePlay has managed to run unsigned code on it. Above is a video clip showing off his efforts in the form of a hello world proof of concept.

Taking advantage of modified save data files, the exploit is restricted to user mode, meaning modifying existing files on flash is out of the question. That means no custom firmware, kids. Still impressive nonetheless and perhaps a bit embarrassing for Sony’s engineering crew, considering how quick this feat was pulled off. Now, here’s the kicker: FreePlay has no plans to share this one with the public, but at least you can rest easy knowing that homebrew code can be run on the go.

PSPgo Hacked, Says Hello World - [eXophase.com]